A HUGE cache of guns, bullets and drugs was found hidden inside a cargo of photocopier paper on the back of a lorry at Dover.

Two Polish nationals were arrested after their HGV and trailer was stopped and searched by Border Force officers at the Kent port at 6am on Friday.

The National Crime Agency was alerted and launched an investigation into the deadly smuggling plot, which could have led to firearms ending up in the hands of terrorists.

A spokesman for the crime-fighting agency said: “A search of the HGV and trailer revealed 20 handguns, 1,000 rounds of ammunition and a variety of class A drugs concealed within the stated cargo of photocopier paper.

“The shipment was listed for delivery to an address in Cardiff, however enquiries revealed it was not expected at the delivery address and none of the load was legitimate.

“In addition to the firearms and ammunition, the search of the vehicle’s load revealed approximately 300Kg methamphetamine, 50Kg ketamine, 50Kg cocaine, and 10kg heroin.

“The drugs have a combine street value of approximate £7.5million.”

The methamphetamine found was NOT crystal meth, but another derivative of the manufactured drug known as speed.

Kathryn Philpott, Senior Investigating Officer for the NCA, said: “This is a substantial seizure of firearms and ammunition which would pose a significant risk to life once in the hands of criminals in the UK.

“Criminal gangs use handguns to bring fear and violence to our streets; we are committed doing all we can to prevent these items getting into the UK to help keep the public safe.”

Among the handguns found were Walter P22 pistols.

The seizure comes as Britain tries to tighten its defences against guns and ammunition being smuggled into the country and falling into the hands of terrorists.

Lee Rigby’s killers Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale bought an antique pistol from a known underworld armourer for their attack outside Woolwich Barracks in May 2013.

A Whitehall source said: “It is a logical to assume that terrorists are likjely to source firearms from the criminal market place.

“People selling them do not think beyond profit which raises the possibility that these firearms could have ended up in the hands of terrorists.”

Polish residents Lukasz Kur and Rafal Anyszek, both 31, were charged with importation of firearms and Class A drugs last night and will appear at Margate magistrates court on Monday morning.